Alice By Heart - Wanneroo Repertory

Reviewed by Kate O'Sullivan

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In Alice by Heart, presented by Limelight Theatre and Wanneroo Repertory, audiences are thrust into a surreal blend of fantasy and history. Set during the London Blitz of World War II, this 90-minute musical sees a slightly-grown-up Alice escaping the horrors of war by retreating into her imagination—specifically, the beloved world of Alice in Wonderland. The production makes bold creative choices, and while its conceptual depth is impressive, the execution occasionally falters in providing clarity for its audience.

The dual-world structure—shifting between bombed-out London and the whimsical nonsense of Wonderland—poses both opportunities and challenges. The ambition is clear, but the transitions between the two realities were sometimes confusing, particularly for those unfamiliar with Lewis Carroll’s stories. A more distinct lighting design could have better supported the switches in setting and tone, helping the audience anchor themselves in the narrative.

Musically, Alice By Heart is full of energy, with catchy numbers and quick-witted humour. While the pace and wit are commendable, some of the jokes were difficult to catch due to their rapid delivery. Keeley Roper’s choreography is a strength of this production. The movement across the stage was dynamic, although opening night brought moments where the energy tipped into a sense of slight disarray—likely a product of nerves that will settle as the season progresses.

The costume design embraced ‘wearable art, ’ and when it worked, it really worked. The Caterpillar and Cheshire Cat were highlights—creatively tied to their real-world counterparts and visually effective. However, a lack of cohesion in the base costumes made some Wonderland scenes feel visually noisy. Under stage lights, some fabric choices in the wearable art pieces came off as shiny or cheap, which detracted from the otherwise creative aesthetic. These inconsistencies also obscured finer design details, such as the beautiful caterpillar arm elements that deserved more attention.

The cast features several WAAPA graduates and strong individual performances. Ella McCaughey as Alice brought strong vocals and commendable composure when dealing with a microphone glitch. Her performance, while technically solid, felt a little reserved in terms of characterisation—though this may be a product of the script, which leaves Alice’s emotional arc somewhat underdeveloped. Blair Price-Morgan as Alfred was a vocal match, and their duets brought warmth and chemistry to the stage. Price-Morgan’s diction could have been clearer at times, but microphone balance issues were compounding the problem.

Zoe Violet delivered a lovely vocal performance as the Cheshire Cat, though her presence sometimes faded into the background of ensemble scenes —some additional vocal power and spotlighting would help make sure that the audience catches these performance moments. Brittany Isaia, as the Red Queen/Red Cross Nurse, started with some hesitancy but grew in strength throughout the show. Her solo was confident and well-executed, with a few well-timed laughs to round it out. Alicia Lorie as The Mad Hatter also deserves praise for her character work and consistent commitment, especially in the Mad Hatter's Tea Party sequence. The ensemble worked hard throughout, and their collective energy was clear, even if individual characterisation wasn’t always as defined.

The live band supported the production well, showcasing clear preparation and skill. However, in several numbers the balance between the band and vocal mics was uneven, with the band overpowering the singers—an issue that technical adjustments could remedy in future performances.

Technically, the production had some clever and effective staging. The set was used well, particularly in creative lighting moments such as Alice’s oversized silhouette and the Cheshire Cat’s appearance. The layered set and poles helped create a dynamic sense of space that transitioned well from reality to Wonderland. However, staging choices like placing emotionally important scenes, such as Alfred and Alice’s conversations in the Blitz, upstage created some visibility issues as they were somewhat obscured by ensemble members. Additionally, actors should remember that in such an ensemble-heavy show, the audience's focus shifts constantly; maintaining in-character facial expressions and presence at all times is essential.

A surprising omission was the absence of a pre-show announcement. With no guidance around photography, emergency protocols, or Acknowledgement of Country, the show’s start felt abrupt and slightly disorienting. In a production with strong visual storytelling, setting clear audience expectations can be a small but crucial component of creating an immersive experience.

Limelight Theatre and Wanneroo Repertory’s Alice By Heart is a bold and heartfelt piece that blends fantasy and tragedy in a deeply human way. With strong choreography, creative design choices, and a committed cast, the foundation is solid. With further attention to technical clarity, visual cohesion, and narrative signposting, this production could fully realise the emotional and imaginative potential of its unique story.

Reviewer Note: Kate has previously performed at with members of this cast and crew. She has also previously performed at Limelight Theatre. Tickets for this review were provided by the theatre company.